Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist
Education
- Chief Resident – Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry – New York University
- DDS – New York University
- BA, Biology – Binghamton University
Professional/Awards
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Personal
Dr. Nicholas Tai became a dentist because he gets to work with his hands, encounter unique challenges, and positively impact each patient’s life. He loves to work with kids because he gets to show off his silly side and tell bad jokes to see them laugh. Dr. Tai volunteers with Give Kids a Smile and the Special Olympics and coaches and referees in youth sports programs. Outside of the office, he enjoys going to local coffee shops and new restaurants with his wife, Maribeth.
Pediatric Dentist-Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Education
- Pediatric Dental Residency – LSU School of Dentistry- New Orleans, LA
- DDS- Texas A&M College of Dentistry– Dallas, TX
- BA – Washington University – St. Louis, MO
Professional Organizations/Awards
- American Dental Association
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society
Personal
Dr. Khan is a native Texan. She grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and graduated from the Hockaday School in Dallas. She went on to receive her BA degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Khan returned to Dallas to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M College of Dentistry Being a kid at heart, she then pursued her true passion of pediatric dentistry with her residency in LSU-New Orleans. Dr. Khan loves spending time with her patients, telling silly stories about superheroes and princesses as she helps keep their teeth cavity-free and sparkling bright!
When Dr. Khan is not in the office, she is an avid globetrotter! She travels the globe, listening to her favorite 80’s music, to new and exciting places! Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show!
Education
- Specialty program – Advanced Education in General Dentistry – Air Force Medical Service – Travis Air Force Base
- DDS- University of the Pacific – Stockton, CA
- Undergrad – University of Nevada – Las Vegas, NV
Professional Associations/Awards
- American Dental Association
Personal
Dr. Cheryl was drawn to the dental profession after working in a dental office as a dental assistant right after attending college. She and her husband, Dr. Ryan Max Johnson, who is also a dentist, met in dental school. They also went through the Air Force together. She and her husband, Ryan, have three kids. When Dr. Cheryl is not at the office. She and her husband love taking the kids outdoors; hiking, camping, and fishing. They love animals and, in fact, have a few in their home!
Education
- Pediatric Dental Residency- Children’s Hospital Colorado – Aurora, CO
- DDS- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – San Antonio, TX
- BS in Psychology University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
Professional/Awards
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award – Qualifying Exam for Pediatric Dentistry (Top 3%)
Personal
The first thing Dr. Shreya has always noticed about someone is their smile. This inspired her to pursue a career in dentistry! Now she has the privilege of helping children develop healthy, beautiful smiles. The highlight of her day as a pediatric dentist is helping nervous children feel comfortable in the dental chair. Outside of work, Dr. Shreya loves exploring DFW with her husband, taking long walks with their two dogs, and is an active member of the Fort Worth Junior League. When the opportunity arises, she loves to vacation in Mexico and is working on checking off more countries on her bucket list!
Education
- Pediatric Dental Residency – Harvard University, Boston Children’s Hospital
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, Magna Cum Laude – Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine
- Bachelor of Science with Highest Honors – University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
Professional Associations/Awards
- Nomination for “Best in Care Award” (Boston Children’s Hospital – 2019)
- Chief Resident (Boston Children’s Hospital – 2018-2019)
- Community Outreach & Volunteer Award (Delta Dental – 2017)
- Odontographic Society Irwin B. Robinson Award, Chicago, IL (2015)
- SIU-SDM Dean’s Research Fellowship (2014-2015)
- Dental/Medical Mission Trip Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Dental Association
Personal
Dr. Mark has family roots here in Texas, and while initially born in Illinois, he has always considered Texas his home and could not be more excited to be back in the Lone Star State.
With a longstanding commitment to pediatric and special needs dental care and his unique combination of professional and academic experiences, Dr. Mark has committed himself to providing the highest level of care in pediatric dentistry, while also maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere that the entire family can enjoy.
Dr. Walsh loves making others smile and values a good sense of humor during the dental visit. While he may have been a professional candy taste tester as a child, he has been trying to redeem himself ever since! Other than battling sugar bugs, his favorite pastimes are centered around health and wellness. In his free time, he enjoys exploring his home here in Tyler alongside outdoor adventures, whether it be through hiking, biking, or visiting National Parks.
Education
- Pediatric Dental Residency- Children’s Hospital Colorado – Aurora, CO
- DDS – Meharry Medical College – Nashville, TN
- BS – Ecology and Evolutionary Biology – University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN
Professional Associations/Awards
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
Personal
Dr. Matt was drawn to the dental profession because he feels it is the perfect combination of medicine and working with your hands. He often serves as a Rural Area Medical Volunteer, offering free dental and medical care to those in need. His favorite thing about working with kids is that they say the funniest things and always laugh at his jokes! Outside of dentistry, Dr. Matt loves woodworking, building computers, and running. He and his wife, Shreya, enjoy watching true crime documentaries together and spoiling their two pups.
While in the Navy he completed an AEGD residency to advance his training and skills. He is proud of his service to his country while deployed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz. With 18 years of experience in dentistry, you can rest assured his patients are receiving exceptional care and treatment. He is trained in comprehensive dentistry, conscious sedation, and laser procedures.
Dr. Leavitt graduated from Brigham Young University and received his DMD from the University of Florida. He is a father of four and treats his patients with the same tenderness as he would his own. With a high-five and a smile, Dr. Leavitt enjoys making his patients feel special.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, actively serving in his church, and playing racquetball.
Dr. Ochoa joined iKids Pediatric Dentistry in October 2016. He is an international dentist who earned his Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1987. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
As of 2011, Dr. Ochoa has been a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is currently an Active Fellow Diplomate member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
He enjoys working and dedicates his care for children. He loves to play, dance, and sing along with his patients. He loves to make them laugh and make them feel special.
Dr. Ochoa worked for 20 years in children’s private practices in Mexico City. He came back to the United States and worked in Tennessee, Washington State, and Central Texas.
Dr. Ochoa has been married for 33 years and has three independent, professional children. He and his wife enjoy playing golf, yoga, and swimming. Nowadays, when they have the chance, they visit their kids or travel with them if possible.
“I love that I can help our patients achieve health, not only in a palpable way when they are in need of treatment but by education, which is life-altering.” – Dr. Neidy
Dr. Neidy Castro has been practicing dentistry for more than 17 years. She is a 2001 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. After dental school, Dr. Castro established her own successful dental practice in Irving, TX. In September of 2009, she sold her practice to concentrate on being a mother while practicing part-time with other DFW area dentists.
Dr. Neidy stays on top of the latest to help monitor the growth and development of all our patients in order to detect any variants from the ideal and work with health professional team members so patients can achieve optimal health.
In 2011, with her boys entering school full time, Dr. Castro joined iKids Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Castro practices at iKids three days a week and the remaining time is devoted to her family. She enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her boys, being a soccer mom, and playing violin with her church orchestra. Dr. Castro is also fluent in Spanish and French.
Dr. Blane Hamilton believes in providing every child with a great experience. He earned his DMD degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and completed an additional two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Temple University Hospital.
Dr. Blane has advanced training in conscious sedation and special needs care. He’s a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a member of the ADA, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Blane lives in Mansfield with his wife, Sarah, and their four boys. He’s active in his church, loves spending time with his family, and enjoys coaching youth sports, riding his bike, playing various sports, and spending time outdoors.